Misinformation

<aside> False or inaccurate information shared without intention to deceive

</aside>

Key Elements

• Content is incorrect, misleading, or incomplete
• Person sharing believes it to be true
• No deliberate intent to manipulate or mislead

Typical Examples

• Reposting an unverified news story that later proves false
• Sharing outdated data as if it were current
• Misinterpreting scientific or statistical results and passing them on

In Contrast

Real Information (Real News)

• Definition: Information that is accurate, reliable, and fact-based. Contains content confirmed by credible sources.

Malicious Messages (Malinformation)

• True information shared with the intent to cause harm.

Examples include disclosing private information without consent, leading to social or moral harm.

False Information (Fake News)

• False News: A general term for any false content in the media, including rumors, fake news, clickbait, and more.

• Propaganda: Information deliberately created and disseminated to evoke specific beliefs or behaviors, often used in politics to gain supporters or shape public opinion.

• Manipulation: Influencing people’s perception by presenting false or selective information, using half-truths or conspiracy theories to create a certain image of reality NEWS FRAMING.

• Intentional Disinformation (Disinformation): Deliberate creation and dissemination of false information to mislead others, motivated by financial gain, political influence, or social manipulation.

• Unintentional Disinformation (Misinformation): Unknowingly spreading false information, often resulting from misunderstanding facts or their misinterpretation.

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is shared without the intention to deceive.

Key elements: